Life

The Check-In: Showdown in Auckland

Standout fields are ready to duke it out for the IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship titles.

IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship Preview

Two-time Olympic medalist Bevan Docherty believes Sunday’s field for the IRONMAN 70.3 Auckland is the strongest outside of the world championship. Docherty, who signalled his move to endurance triathlon with a debut victory at IRONMAN New Zealand last year, is part of a stellar field for Sunday’s race.

Visit the IRONMAN 70.3 Auckland event page for more information about the course, professional ranking points, prize purse and age group qualifying slots. Check back on Sunday and follow the action as it unfolds on the course with video coveage, along with text updates and our live athlete tracker. Join the race day conversation on Facebook and Twitter using #IM703Auckland.

Races in Review: IRONMAN 70.3 Pucon

Brazil’s Reinaldo Colucci claimed his fourth win in Pucon, while Chile's Valentina Carvallo defended her title at the 2014 Herbalife IRONMAN 70.3 Pucon.

Tweet of the Week

(Paula Newby-Fraser on the story of Kona 2013 athlete Chris McDonnell. See below.)

Tweet of the Week, Two: Giving Back in Chile

Sarah Piampiano (@SarahPiampiano) Dede Griesbauer (@DedeGriesbauer): "Spent the avro w/ some amazing girls at a foster home in Pucon. Their positive energy & outlook were #inspiring"

Gear Up: Sugoi Jersey of the Month’ Charity Initiative

SUGOI Performance Apparel, announced its 'Jersey of the Month' Charity Initiative for 2014. Each month SUGOI will support a different charity through creating unique cycling jerseys in order to bring attention to, and raise funds for, their individual causes. Once produced jerseys will be available for purchase at bicycle retailers across North America or directly on SUGOI’s website for $70.00 US / $75.00 CAN, with partial proceeds donated to the cause featured each month. Charities include Schwinn Helmets on Heads, Variety Children’s Charity, World Bike Relief and Breast Cancer Awareness.

Uncovering ways to supply aid to charities across North America is part of SUGOI’s brand culture. “We are always looking to give back. The 'Jersey of the Month' program allows us to utilize our expertise in custom cycling apparel by creating a memorable product that will inspire people to contribute to these remarkable groups,” says SUGOI President Kyle Weiner.

Here's a list of the 'Jersey of the Month' and corresponding charities. During July, SUGOI will make two jerseys that represent both Canada and the United States.

Pro from a Different Angle

Italian pro Daniel Fontana, tweeted a photo of his pre-race activities while preparing to compete in IRONMAN 70.3 Pucon.

Newton Running Gets Their Man

Newton Running, the official run course and shoe sponsor of IRONMAN in the United States, recently signed a one-year contract with professional triathlete Timothy O’Donnell, who was the top American finisher at the 2013 IRONMAN World Championship, placing fifth.

The Great Rescue That Wasn't

Retired Canadian Olympic gold medalist Simon Whitfield was out on his stand up paddleboard in some rough waters off the coast of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, earlier this week when Marine Search and Rescue volunteers were dispatched to assist what they believed to be a person in distress. When they got there they found Whitfield having a hoot in the waves created by the gale force winds blowing through the area.